BMW chairman, Mr Norbert Reithofe, has told UK magazine Autocar that the German brand will be introducing a small, front-wheel drive model to fit between the BMW 1 Series and MINI lineup.
“We will be extending the BMW and MINI brands into the small car segment with new models and variants,” said Mr Reithofer.
The news confirms last month’s speculation that a smaller BMW-badged model is in the pipeline, and comes as BMW finds global research shows a strong demand for a premium small car, similar to the newly announced Audi A1.
The as yet unnamed small BMW will share many components familiar to both the current 1 Series and popular MINI range, including the next-generation MINI’s engine and front-wheel drive system. BMW says this decision helps them realise the economies of scale with its small vehicles.
BMW has not yet released full specification and pricing details of the sub-1 Series car, but did indicate timing may be fast-tracked to retain the manufacturer’s lead in the segment. This should mean we see the small BMW before the release of the new MINI which is due to hit showrooms in 2014.
A BMW representative also said that rear- and all-wheel drive variations of the small car “aren’t totally out of the question, but they likely won’t be available at launch”.
BMW? FWD? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
I love the new Isetta in the pics!
Absolutely! The big red bonnet and plastic wheelarches look very cool.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo…..
It looks like a reborn 2CV
Thats just a concept, not what the actual car will look like. Its going to look like a baby 1 series with a sort of Mini type roof.
Didn’t BMW run a big add campaing when the 1 series hatch came out proudly claiming that BMW is rear wheel drive and all its front wheel drive compeditors where “toy cars”?
how the world turns
lets not forget the Mini is FWD :)
Which is why it isn’t under the BMW badge.
A front wheel drive BMW, never thought I’d see the day… This is nearly as bad as Aston Martin making that stupid Toyota iQ rubbish.
This is extremely disappointing if true.
BMW, you have sold your soul to the devil.
Tainting the BMW brand with FWD! Unbelievable! They should have just added a more top spec mini(didn’t they already have a mini coupe?) instead of adding a lower spec BMW imo!
Whatever happened too FWD being the “Work of Satan”? Looks like BMW has indeed sold its soul!
Possibly proves some people only look at “Badge Status” and the rest of the details – including early racing pedigree eg Aston Martin.
Just a very large 4 wheeled hand bag for these people.
Meant to include the rest of the details have little or no bearing in their decision to purchase their vehicles.
Again a Hand Bag for these types.
Interesting to see how BMW’s gonna name this series mentioning its smaller dimension than 1-series. 0-series prhaps?